Just This Once: A Decompressing Dive into Contemporary Romance
When I found myself craving a lighter read after tackling heavier fare, Margaret Watson’s Just This Once, the fifth book in her Blackhawk Security series, felt like the perfect escape. I’ve always found comfort in her romantic prose, and this invitation to delve into her world was just the reprieve I needed. As I sat down with the book, ready to unwind, I was more than pleasantly surprised; I was completely captivated!
Just This Once seamlessly intertwines suspense and romance, centering on Sierra, who becomes the target of the Russian bratva, believing she possesses crucial information from the prior book. Enter Cody, the dedicated bodyguard from Blackhawk Security, hired to protect her while sparks fly between them. I deeply appreciated how the stakes were raised not only through the looming threats but through the palpable chemistry that crackles between Sierra and Cody from their very first meeting.
Sierra is such a compelling character—her independence and determination make her a standout. Though her penchant for keeping secrets did frustrate me at times (I was practically shouting at the page for her to reveal her past!), this air of mystery only deepened my fascination with her character. I found myself cheering for her strength, even as I wished she’d come clean a little sooner. Cody, on the other hand, was the quintessential alpha male—my only quibble being his use of the word "bae." I mean, really? It felt out of place coming from a 30-something! But his dedication to the job and internal struggle to manage his feelings for Sierra made him an intriguing counterpart.
What impressed me most was the execution of the suspense element. Watson expertly intertwines the ongoing police mole plot, allowing the tension to build as the story progresses. I particularly loved how she managed to weave in characters from previous installments, like Alex’s ex-husband Jerry, reawakening old intrigues and lending depth to the narrative.
The romance itself was an exhilarating ride, albeit with a hefty dose of InstaLove. With just a week to get to know each other in a secure safe house, I expected some steamy moments—and while the chemistry was electric, Watson kept the focus on their burgeoning relationship, offering only a couple of well-placed intimate scenes that kept me engaged without overwhelming the plot.
The ending offered a nice twist with Sierra unveiling her real name—while it didn’t quite fit her persona, it highlighted how much we still didn’t know about her background, leaving echoes of curiosity for potential sequels.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Just This Once to anyone looking for a refreshing take on contemporary romance mixed with action. It’s perfect for readers over 21 who can handle some graphic scenes and a bit of gritty language and violence. This book wasn’t just an escape; it reawakened my love for romance in such an engaging, heartfelt way, reminding me that sometimes, love truly can bloom amidst chaos. If you’re in the mood for a romance that packs a punch with its suspense and captivates with its characters, you’ll want to dive headfirst into Sierra and Cody’s whirlwind romance!
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